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View Full Version : 12yr old Whirlpool Dryer element stays on ll time unless timer is OFF



NITROITCH
03-14-2013, 02:13 PM
Replaced blown thermal cut off and blown thermal fuse. Checked continuity on operating thermostat and hi limit thermostat which were good. Checked ohm reading on element it was approx 10 ohms.
Dryer timer was ON with door opened when line power was turn ON via breaker, HOWEVER, element started to glow, obviously this was with no drum turning and no airflow due to door open. Next I closed the door allowing the air to flow.
With drum turning I checked amp draw with clamp on amp probe at one of the two element red leads and it was approx 27amps.
I DID NOT check continuity from element to frame for short circuit since the ohms read correct previously.
And if I remember correctly, when I checked voltage at element's two leads I got a reading of 124 volts, which I thought it should be 240ish....However, I don't remember at what point I checked this. Incoming power to dryer was 248 volts.
I did not have a schematic of this exact dryer until returning home. My thoughts are that the motor switch is supplying power on L2 ALL the time, and as long as the timer is ON thereby completeing the L1 circuit, the element stays ON. The dryer is located out of town, so I want to have solution and parts on hand when returning. Suspect: motor switch. Your thoughts and experience is appreciated.

NITROITCH
03-14-2013, 02:14 PM
Sorry no model number avail...but this is the typical WP dryer design of 20 plus yrs.

jeff1
03-14-2013, 03:52 PM
Hi,


Dryer timer was ON with door opened when line power was turn ON via breaker, HOWEVER, element started to glow

Definetly make sure the element is not shorted to ground!
LINK> http://www.applianceaid.com/grounded-elements-on-electric-dryers.php

If not, then yes it would appear the motor heat switch is welded closed for what ever reason. Normally termianls 1&2 should be open when the motor is not running and closed when it is.

jeff.

NITROITCH
03-15-2013, 02:42 AM
Thanks Jeff...I will check for grounded out element. Where might I buy centrifugal motor switches for washers and dryers?
I have a couple of 2 and 3 speed Whirlpool washer motors needing them too?

jeff1
03-15-2013, 11:48 AM
Most ( if not almost all ) cannot be replaced seperatly and only come with the motor. Odd washer motor switch is available seperate but most dryer motors the switch is no longer replacable = new motor.

jeff.

NITROITCH
03-15-2013, 10:59 PM
Ok thanks for the bad news on the dryer switch :-)...but which "odd" motor switch mis still,available?

jeff1
03-16-2013, 02:24 AM
211 Washer Motor Start Switch Manufacturer Number 8529896 (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=905527)

212 Centrifugal motor switch Manufacturer Number 3388235 (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=2025)

213 Motor centrifugal switch for "R" style motor Manufacturer Number WE4X198 (http://www.repairclinic.com/referral.asp?R=153&N=276517)

jeff.